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35-Minute Cajun Shrimp Alfredo – Insanely Creamy & Spicy Delight

cajun shrimp alfredo
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A creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo penne with blackened chicken, combining bold flavors with a rich, smooth sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or blackening seasoning), divided
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra color)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter (for searing, optional)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creamy/stretch)
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup pasta water (as needed to loosen)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, drain, and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Season chicken & shrimp: Pat chicken and shrimp dry. Toss chicken with 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus garlic powder, onion powder, pepper). Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp oil and the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil (and 1 tbsp butter if using). Sear chicken 4–6 minutes per side (until 165°F inside). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  4. Sear the shrimp: In the same skillet, cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred.
  5. Make the Alfredo sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp butter, then garlic and cook 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan (and mozzarella if using) until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  6. Combine: Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss. Use reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach your perfect creamy consistency.
  7. Serve: Plate the creamy Alfredo penne and top with sliced blackened chicken and shrimp. Sprinkle parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
  • Optional mozzarella adds extra creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: cajun shrimp alfredo, chicken and shrimp pasta, creamy alfredo penne, cajun alfredo pasta, blackened shrimp pasta, restaurant style pasta dinner

Find it online: https://mealcooked.com/cajun-shrimp-alfredo-recipe/